Crab Cakes

These crab cakes are very delicious and something you would eat at a fancy restaurant. Well … did you know that they can be easily made in your own kitchen? These crab cakes are perfect for dinner with Valentines Day just around the corner. There is alot of different sauce that will be good with them, this is one of my favorites, and this beurre blanc sauce will go well with it as well.

Add sautéed onions to bowl with crab.Add breadcrumbs.Mix all together.

Form crab mixture in to 8-10 patties. Coat with panko crumbs on both sides.

Heat a frying on medium heat. Add oil. Fry crab cakes on both sides and transfer to a plate when done.

To plate and serve as pictured above, mix cabbage with sprouts,red peppers, salt, and squeeze of lemon juice.

Place cabbage mix on bottom of plate. Arrange crab cake on top and pour over with sauce on top.

Salmon Pasta Dish

What I like about pasta dish is …. it’s really quick and easy to prepare,looks mouthwatering and fancy, and always delicious! This salmon pasta dish is light and tasty. Capellini pasta and tender salmon chunks tossed in creamy buttery wine sauce with a hint of lemon and touch of fire (red pepper flakes).

Ingredients:

8 ozs capellini pasta

1.5 – 2 lbs salmon cut in chunks

1 shallot minced

2 garlic cloves minced

4 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup white wine

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

4-5 basil leaves chopped

salt and pepper

grated parmesan cheese

lemon slices for serving

Direction:

Cook your choice of capellini pasta according to package instruction. I used whole wheat.

Season salmon chunks with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Heat a medium-large pan on medium heat.

Add oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

Add shallots and garlic. Saute for about 1 minute.

Arrange salmon chunks on the pan. Cook both sides for about 2 minutes per side.

Add chopped basil between fish pieces.

Bring the heat to high,and carefully add white wine. Cook for about 30 seconds to one minute.

Drizzle with little bit of lemon and sprinkle parmesan cheese before serving.

Enjoy!

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Stuffed Mini Peppers

These stuffed mini peppers are a quick and easy appetizer or snack. No cooking or baking required. Just mix the chicken filling and stuff the peppers. It’s really easy to make and delicious!

Ingredients:

1 canned white chicken

1 cup shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese

2 cloves garlic crushed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic parsley seasoning

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

4 ozs. cream cheese

2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise

* green onion,parsley, or dill (optional)

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together using a kitchen aid or hand blender.

Stuff mini peppers with chicken and cheese filling.

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Spinach Arugula Salad with Strawberries

This is a nutritious and vibrant spring salad with spinach, arugula, asparagus, and strawberries. Crisp green leaves and bright sweet strawberries are tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette, then topped of with turkey bacon and feta cheese. It’s so delicious and healthy.

Ingredients-

Dressing:

3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar*

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil*

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon squezed lime juice

fresh ground black pepper

* Good quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a must for perfect results of this dressing.

Spinach Salad

This Spinach salad is delicious, healthy, and vibrant. It’s one of the most requested salads that I bring to potlucks. So I make this salad often. This beautiful salad will look great on your holiday dinner table.

For a great tasting vinaigrette try using good quality balsamic vinegar, olive oil , and mustard.

With blender running,slowly pour in oil. Continue to blend until vinaigrette thickens.

If too thick, you can add a little water to adjust thickness to your liking.

Adjust seasoning and sweetness if needed.

Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Salad:

Heat 2 tbsp.oil in a skillet on med-high heat.

Add bell pepper and saute.

Remove a peppers from skillet.

Add 2 tbsp. oil. to the same skillet.

Add onions and saute.

Arrange spinach leaves on a salad plate or salad bowl then following this order:

Dressing (drizzled)

bell peppers

onions

bacon

cheese

nuts

If serving in a large salad bowl, Arrange in layers by repeating the order.

Bean and Rice soup

This is a healthy,hearty, and delicious bean and rice soup. It’s totally satisfying and perfect on cold winter days or nights. You can make it pure vegetarian by adding just water or vegetable broth, or for more flavor you can use chicken broth.

Peach Muffins

Sweet and tender cake-like peach muffins with crunchy and buttery almond crumble.These Peach muffins can be a delightful breakfast or dessert treat when peaches are in season.

Ingredients:

3 cups flour (I used 1 1/2 cup white and 1 1/2 cup whole wheat)

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup oil

1 1/2 cups plain yoghurt

3/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional

2 large or 3 small peaches diced

Almond crumble:

3/4 cup almonds*

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup softened butter

3/4 cup brown sugar*

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional

*you can sub in walnuts for almonds, and regular granulated sugar for brown sugar.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a bowl, whisk together flour,sugar,salt,baking powder and cinnamon(optional).

In another bowl,whisk together eggs,yoghurt,milk,oil, and vanilla.

Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and mix in peaches.

Line a cupcake pan or a muffin pan with liners. Spoon batter in to each liner 3/4 full.

In a medium bowl using fork or your hands mix all crumble ingredients.

Top muffin batter with generous amount of almond crumble.

Bake for 15-17 minutes if using cupcake pan or 22-24 minutes if using muffin pan.

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Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

My moms garden is in abundance of tomatoes every summer.And every time when I have a lot of something,I think of a way how to use it in a perfect way.Making pasta with fresh tomato sauce is great way to use those extra tomatoes.This pasta sauce is so easy and quick to make ,that you will have a healthy and amazingly delicious lunch or dinner in no time.

Ingredients: 4 large tomatoes or 2 lbs Roma tomatoes

8-10 cloves garlic minced

1 shallot or half onion finely chopped

1/2 cup chardonnay or any other white wine

8 basil leaves minced

1 tablespoon finely parsley

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

salt and fresh ground pepper

4 tablespoons olive oil

cooked pasta (I used whole wheat spaghetti)

Directions: Cut a small X on the bottom of each tomato.Place tomatoes in a pot or a bowl and cover with boiling water. Cover with lid and blanch for 5 minutes.

Carefully peel of the skin and roughly chop the tomatoes.

Heat a saute pan and add oil. Throw in onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.Pour in chardonnay and let it evaporate for about a minute.Add tomatoes,basil and parsley.Cook sauce until thickened,about 10-12 minutes.Season with salt and pepper.

Combine cooked pasta with sauce and sprinkle some parmesan cheese. You can add yourchoice of sautéed or grilled vegetables to pasta.

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Cherry Clafouti

Cherry Clafouti is a french country-style egg custard dessert slightly similar to quiche.Sweet cherries are covered in pancake-like batter then baked until puffed and nicely browned.It”s a really quick and easy custard type dessert that has no need to be cooled or stored in a fridge before serving.Clafouti also can be versatile by replacing cherries with any berries,plums, or peaches.It can also be served for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pitted fresh or canned cherries(drained)

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon kirsch liquor (optional)

powdered sugar for dusting

butter for greasing the pan

Directions:

Heat oven to 325F degrees.

Butter a 10 inch round pan (do not use a springform pan or removable tartlet pan).

Arrange cherries evenly on the bottom of a pan.

Whisk eggs and milk together.

Add sugar,vanilla,kirsch(optional),salt and flour.Continue whisking until all lumps are removed.

Pour the custard over cherries and bake for 1hour – 1 hour and 15 minutes.The custard should be lightly browned and firm to touch when done.

Dust with powdered sugar while still warm or cooled.

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Lamb Osso Bucco

Lamb is highly rated in our family.We LOVE lamb!!! (shanks and chops the most) It’s very rich and yet so delicate and mild.

Lamb Osso Bucco is a comforting delicious Italian lamb dish that is aromatic and full of flavor.The meat is seared and then braised in a flavorful sauce until tender and nearly falling of the bone.

Osso Bucco is Italian for bone with a hole and refers to the marrow in the center of the cross cut shank. The reason for cutting is to expose the richness of the bone marrow.So you can prepare the shank as is or have a butcher cut the shank crosswise for vital nutrients.

Transfer shanks back to dutch oven or a large baking dish.(pour sauce over shanks if using baking dish)

Arrange sprigs of rosemary and thyme in between the shanks.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cover with foil and braise the shanks for 2 hours.

Turn the sides and continue to braise for another 1 hour.

Remove foil and braise uncovered for 20-30 minutes.

When done the meat should be tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Serve over mashed potatoes,risotto,rice, or pasta with your choice of vegetables.Pour sauce over the shank as much as desired.

-I served with mashed potatoes,steamed broccolini and organic veggie mix from Trader Joe’s(corn,green beans,peas and carrots).

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Bruschetta

Bruschetta is one of my favorite summer appetizers.It’s one of the freshest,simplest, and healthiest appetizers out there(no frying or mayo).

The combination of sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil with tangy sweet balsamic and olive oil is simply divine.Great thing about bruschetta… that it can be served as an appetizer,snack,salad or lunch.Whatever you’re in the mood for.And at parties they’re are gone in a zoom!

Ingredients:

3 roma tomatoes diced

4 thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese

5-6 fresh basil leaves sliced

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes chopped(optional)

2 tablespoons fire roasted peppers chopped (optional)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil(good quality)

2 tablespoons black or white balsamic vinegar

salt and fresh ground pepper

1/2 french baguette or any Italian bread sliced diagonally (I used whole wheat french baguette)

2 cloves garlic

olive oil for drizzling

Heat oven on broil.

Arrange bread slices on a lined baking sheet.

Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle a little salt and black pepper.

Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until bread is slightly browned.Let cool.

Grande Nachos

It won’t take a long time for these Grande Nachos to become your family favorite.A large platter of crisp tortilla chips loaded with seasoned chicken,hearty beans,cheese,tomatoes,sour cream and green onion. And to elevate it to a more SUPREME level, Add some fresh guacamole,jalapeño and cilantro. This recipe was inspired by my awesome sister Dasha. She served them as appetizer,and made a big crowd rush to the table.

You can omit chicken to make it vegetarian and use steak or ground meat instead of chicken.

Grill,bake,or pan sear the chicken breast on both sides.( I used electric grill.)

Let it slightly cool.

Cut the chicken in small-medium cubes.

Arrange first layer of chips on oven safe platter.

Layer with cheese,beans,and chicken.

Repeat the steps with second layer.(chips+cheese+etz…)

Heat oven on 350 degrees.

Place the arranged platter in the oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Top with sour cream,tomatoes,jalapeños,green onions,cilantro,and guacamole or diced avocado.

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Shrimp Spring Salad

Spring and summer are my favorite seasons.Everything around you looks amazingly beautiful, fresh and full of life.This shrimp spring salad consists of leafy romaine lettuce, radish, sweet peas and shrimp.All the ingredients are tossed with creamy garlicky dill dressing.It’s very tasty and easy to make for any occasion.Even though the dressing is creamy, salad feels very light but filling.

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

1 bunch romaine lettuce torn or chopped

3-4 radishes sliced

2/3 cup frozen peas (thawed)

1 lb cooked shrimp

Other optional ingredients:

avocado,chives,cherry tomatoes

Dressing:

2 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise

2 heaping spoons plain greek yoghurt or sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh finely chopped dill

2-3 crushed garlic cloves

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

In a small bowl,whisk all dressing ingredients and set aside.

Place romaine lettuce,radis,pesa,and shrimp in mixing bowl.

Toss salad with garlic dill dressing.

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Wholesome Banana Pancakes

These healthy wholesome banana pancakes are a twist on traditional pancakes.They are moist and fluffy with a slight nutty taste and loaded with super-foods. Spelt/whole wheat flour,chia seeds, and flax seed meal has tons and tons of health benefits.I use chia seeds and flax meal a lot .I add them to cereal,yoghurt,oatmeal,porridge,muffins,pancakes,waffles…etz. You can call this totally guilt-less delightful breakfast that can give you a good health boost.

Variations: You can use 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup oat bran if desired.If you try to avoid sugar,you can avoid adding it,or replace with honey or any other healthy sweetner.You can use regular granulated or brown sugar too.You can replace regular dairy milk with almond,coconut, or soy milk.

Top with fresh fruits,berries,whipped cream or cottage cheese mixed with condensed milk.

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Chicken Kotleti in Mushroom Sauce

Russian/Ukrainian kotleti to Slavic people is like chicken nuggets to Americans.We all grew up on them.It’s one of those Moms famous foods that are perfect as party food or everyday meal. They are tender,juicy, and well seasoned chicken patties that are fried and steamed or fried and simmered in creamy mushroom sauce.Creamy mushroom sauce can be served as gravy also.Always perfect.Always delicious!

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts*

4 chicken thighs*

2 medium onions chopped

1 carrot grated

2-3 bread slices

milk to soak bread

1 medium potato peeled and grated

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

salt and pepper

Bread crumbs (I get them from Trader Joes)

2 tbsp oil + more for frying

*Or 3-4 lbs ground chicken meat.

Mushroom sauce:

1/2 onion finely chopped

1/2 carrots finely grated

6-8 mushrooms sliced or quarted

3/4 chicken broth*

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream*

2 tablespoon flour*

1/4 teaspoon teaspoon pizza seasoning (optional)*

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons butter

* You can make it with out chicken broth,just add more cream and omit flour.The best pizza seasoning for this sauce is from winco (bulk section).I tried from other stores,It’s a little different.

Directions:

Grind chicken thighs and breast.

Soak bread slices in milk and set a side.

Heat oil in a sauté pan on medium heat.

Saute onions with carrots until soft.

Press through grinder and add to chicken.

Squeeze bread from milk.Press through grinder and add to chicken.

Add potatoes,mayonnaise,salt and pepper to chicken.

Mix everything well, hitting the meat against the bowl( at least 20 times).

Shape them in to preferred size patties.

Heat a frying pan with about 1/2 inch oil ( I use extra light olive oil or avocado oil).

Dredge each patty in breadcrumbs . Fry patties in batches on both sides until golden brown.

If you’re not serving kotleti/patties with mushroom sauce, arrange fried patties in a baking dish or a medium saucepan. I add onions,peppercorns,and bay leaf to the bottom (it’s optional).Pour a small amount of water or chicken broth over patties/kotleti,about 1/2 -3/4 inch from the bottom. If using baking method;heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 20-25 minutes. If using stovetop method; bring to a boil then reduce to low and steam for about 10 minutes.This makes kotleti juicy.

Mushroom Sauce:

Melt butter in a saute pan on medium heat.

Throw in onions.Saute onions until soft.Transfer to a bowl or plate.

Add more butter if needed and sauté carrots for couple of minutes.Transfer to plate with onions.

Add more butter and sauté mushrooms.

Transfer onions and carrots back to a sauté pan with mushrooms,and mix in flour.Cook for about 15 seconds.

Gradually and gently whisk in chicken broth by dribbles at first.Sauce will thicken.Add heavy whipping cream and pizza seasoning.Season with salt.Turn off the heat.

Arrange patties in a medium saucepan and pour the mushroom sauce over kotleti/patties. Let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.Serve with mashed potatoes,pasta or rice.

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Overnight Oats with Buckwheat

I don’t know of healthier breakfast then overnight oats with buckwheat.A filling,delicious,and nutritious breakfast with superfood ingredients and tons of health benefits.Can it get better then that???

Overnight oats are oats soaked overnight in liquid such as milk(any kind).I like to add buckwheat and other super foods to give it an extra boost.They are very versatile and made with variety of ingredients,flavorings,and fruits.

If not using Natures Path’s superfood cereal, you will need to use raw (light green)buckwheat, not roasted. Using raw ingredients known as “live food” has more health benefits because, when food is heated over 118 degrees F. most of the food nutrients are destroyed.Eating more raw food gives you more energy and amazing health results.

Place all the ingredients (except fruit) in a glass jar such as mason jar or any other glass container.Stir to combine all the ingredients.Cover with lid and refrigerate overnight.When ready to serve, top with fruit and berries and more nuts or chia seeds if desired.If you like more liquid in your oats add more milk and adjust sweetness to your liking.

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French Toast Casserole

This is a scrumptious and special breakfast casserole that can be made ahead.This French toast casserole has a crunchy top with custardy bread filling.You can simply cover the bread in casserole dish with plastic wrap,and whisk all the ingredients for the custard then cover and refrigerate until morning.Or if you like it to be pudding like ,you can pour the custard over bread and refrigerate overnight. I made this casserole last week for sisters brunch, and it was a big hit.I served it with delicious blackberry sauce,and that made it even more special.Mmmmmm!!!

Ingredients:

1 challah bread*

10 eggs

1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 cups heavy whipping cream**

2 cups milk**

1 1/2 zested and juice squeezed

3 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional,but very good)

1/4 teaspoon salt

sliced almonds

* You can use french bread or any other lightly sweetened specialty bread.

Slice bread in to large chunks and arrange all pieces of bread in the glass baking dish or casserole dish.Sprinkle a little of turbinado sugar over the top of bread.

In a mixing bowl,whisk eggs with salt.Add cream,milk,sugar,orange zest,orange juice,and orange liqueuer. Whisk to incorporate all the ingredients.

Pour the custard mixture over bread.Sprinkle sliced almonds over the bread.

Cover with foil and bake covered for about 30-35 minutes.Remove foil and continue to bake until the top is light golden brown ( about another 25-30 minutes).When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and add more almonds if desired. Serve with warm maple sauce,homemade syrup with cinnamon,or blackberry sauce.

Blackberry sauce directions:

Place blackberry in a blender.Pulse until well blended.Press the sauce through fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.Add sugar,orange zest,cinnamon,water/orange juice blackberries.

Heat the sauce in a sauce pan on medium heat.Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.Whisk in orange liqueuer.

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BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Absolutely amazing,delicious and filling BBQ ranch chicken salad. This salad got so many of my of favorite ingredients especially fresh crispy onion strings. You can refer this salad as a copycat recipe from Cheesecake Factory. I love to order this salad whenever we go there or Thai lettuce wraps substituted with grilled portable mushrooms for chicken.It’s the best! so fresh,crunchy,and healthy.

BBQ ranch dressing:

1 clove garlic crushed

3 tablespoons sour cream

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon dried and/or fresh parsley

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2-3 tablespoons bbq sauce

salt and fresh ground pepper

Chicken:

1-2 chicken breast

salt

pepper

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons bbq sauce

Onions strings:

1 sweet onion peeled and sliced thin rounds

3/4 cup corn starch

salt and pepper

oil for frying

Salad:

2 heads romaine lettuce chopped

1/4 head purple cabbage thinly sliced (optional)

1 large tomato diced

1 avocado diced

1/2 can black beans, drained

1/2 cup fresh,canned or frozen(thawed) corn

fresh cilantro chopped

Directions:

BBQ ranch: Whisk all ingredients set a side or refrigerate.

Chicken: Mix seasoning/marinade ingredients. Add it to chicken. Bake,grill or use electric grill (such as George Foreman) to cook chicken.When chicken is done let it rest for 3-5 minutes.Cut into bite size cubes.

Onions: Cover sliced onions with water and set a side for 10 minutes.Fill heavy pot or deep skillet with oil about 3/4 – 1 inch from the bottom and heat it on high heat.

Combine corn starch with salt and pepper.Drain the water from onions and separate into single rounds .Add corn starch mix to the onions and mix.

When oil is really hot,using tongs fry onions in small batches until lightly golden brown.

Salad:

Arrange salad ingredients on a salad plate or bowl.Add diced chicken.Top with onion strings and drizzle with BBQ ranch dressing.